Page 37 - drive a2b dec 2019 web

Taxis have operated around WA for Vehicle Mod Grants They do not provide the options for
decades and remain the cheapest older or disabled people who may
option for disabled access travel Vehicle modification grants not have access to smart phones
as they are privately funded and have not been reviewed for and credit cards.
operated, regulated with a capped over a decade and have fallen
price and supported by the Taxi approximately $15k behind and it is These new competitors are
User Subsidy Scheme (TUSS). unclear if they are still available for impacting on traditional small
regional operators. As wheelchair businesses through predatory
There are many industry and access vehicles near the end of anti competitive behaviour and,
regulatory issues which are leading serviceability it is unlikely regional by operating ad hoc, they reduce
to reductions and even loss of local operators will be able to invest in the income of local drivers and
taxi services, the impact of which new vehicles, due to large legacy services who relied on peak times
is felt greatly in regional areas. debts from the removal of their taxi to maintain overall viable driver
plate assets. incomes.
Is TUSS moving to Onerous new increased regulations,
NDIS? In regional WA where employment,
especially equal employment training, data, compliance and
It would appear that State opportunity jobs, can be scarce, insurance requirements and the
governments are cost shifting especially for older workers or threat of large fines, is leading
state funded schemes like TUSS those with previous workplace many taxi operators (especially
to federally funded NDIS. This is injuries, taxi driving is often a those driving wheelchair access
evidenced by recent changes in WA viable, very flexible and rewarding taxis) to rethink whether the stress
which have seen the management option which in turn prevents is worth it.
of wheelchair co-payments change these people from feeling socially
from a weekly payment system to isolated themselves and allows Effects of the
one where Multiple Purpose Taxi them financial independence for Legislative Changes
(MPT) drivers are waiting up to 8 longer.
weeks for payment. This is another In terms of legislative changes
disincentive for local drivers who Unlike the traditional taxi industry, and new regulations in WA,
undertake this important but much new entrants into the on-demand there was very little consultation
more time intensive and more industry have had no costs to entry, with local regional operators or
costly disability transport. have less regulation and do not passengers prior to imposing
offer disability access transport.

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